scholarly journals Mindfulness training reduces PTSD symptoms and other stress-related health outcomes in police officers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W Grupe ◽  
Chad McGehee ◽  
Chris Smith ◽  
Andrew Francis ◽  
Jeanette Mumford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

BACKGROUND. Police officers are exposed daily to high levels of organizational and operational stressors that have a negative impact on health and well-being outcomes. This population has elevated rates of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide. Although there are few empirically supported effective stress reduction interventions in police officers, recent evidence suggests that an 8-week training program in mindfulness meditation, specifically tailored for this group, has promise in reducing perceived stress and improving stress-related physical and mental health outcomes including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and burnout. The primary aims of the current study were to 1) demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence of a similar mindfulness training program in a new population of police officers; 2) replicate previously demonstrated improvements in perceived stress and stress-related health outcomes, and 3) provide novel evidence of hypothesized reductions in symptoms of PTSD.METHODS. We enrolled 30 sworn law enforcement personnel from a mid-sized, Midwestern U.S. police department in an 8-week, group-based mindfulness training program. We conducted in-person assessments immediately before and after the training program, consisting of self-report measures of perceived stress, sleep quality, physical and mental health symptoms, and burnout and the assessment of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other physical health measures. An abbreviated remote assessment at 5-month follow-up included self-report measures only.RESULTS. All 30 officers completed the 8-week program and both in-person assessments, with high rates of class attendance, substantial out-of-class practice time, and uniformly positive evaluations of the training program and instructors. Replicating previous studies, we identified post-training reductions in perceived organizational and operational stress, global sleep disturbances, anxiety, and burnout, with significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress observed at 5-month follow-up. We also identified novel evidence for reduced PTSD hyperarousal symptoms that persisted at 5-month follow-up, and reduced re-experiencing PTSD symptoms at 5-month follow-up only. There was no evidence for changes in self-reported physical health symptoms or hs-CRP.CONCLUSIONS. Successful adaptation, delivery, and acceptance of this mindfulness-based intervention demonstrates the generalizability of mindfulness training across law enforcement populations. The replication of improved stress-related outcomes, and novel evidence for reduced PTSD symptoms, indicate important targets to be further investigated in larger, mechanistic, randomized controlled trials of mindfulness training in police officers.

scholarly journals The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia Mindfulness Project

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Sarah Moore ◽  
Rita Barbour ◽  
Hanh Ngo ◽  
Craig Sinclair ◽  
Richard Chambers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Professional Impact

Background: Medical students experience high levels of stress during their training. Literature suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress and increase self-compassion levels in medical students. Most mindfulness training programs are delivered face-to-face and require significant time commitments, which can be difficult to achieve for rurally-based students with heavy academic workloads.Aim: We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods: An 8-week online training program was delivered to third year medical students at the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia in 2016.Using quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of the participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results: 47 students were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% of responding students reported practising at least weekly 6 months following the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 6 month follow up. Participants reported qualitative insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.

scholarly journals Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Police Officers

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Machteld Hoeve ◽  
Esther I. de Bruin ◽  
Floor van Rooij ◽  
Susan M. Bögels
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Mindful Awareness ◽  
Acting With Awareness

Abstract Objectives Although the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention for various populations is well-documented, research examining these effects for police officers is limited. This study aimed to increase knowledge on (1) the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention in police officers and (2) potential mechanisms of change by relating changes in facets of mindful awareness to changes in stress. Methods In the present study, we investigated the effects of a 6-session group-based mindfulness-based intervention in police officers (n = 82) on self-report measures, using a quasi-experimental design consisting of a within-group 6-week baseline period; pre-test, 6-week intervention; and post-test, 6-week follow-up. Multilevel analyses were used to test intervention effects. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed whether changes in facets of mindfulness were associated with changes in various types of stress. Results After the intervention, police officers significantly and substantially improved on stress (primary outcome), facets of mindful awareness (explanatory variables), and related secondary outcomes including somatic complaints, sleep disturbances, positive affect, happiness, and work ability, while in baseline period, outcome measures did not change. Effects remained significant or improved further during the follow-up period. Further, we found that increases in particularly the facets of mindful awareness of acting with awareness and non-judging were associated with reductions in stress. Conclusions Mindfulness-based intervention appears beneficial for police officers. Further, increases in both attention and acceptance skills such as acting with awareness and non-judging seem to be most important in explaining reductions of stress in police officers.

scholarly journals Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Jane Moore ◽  
Rita Barbour ◽  
Hanh Ngo ◽  
Craig Sinclair ◽  
Richard Chambers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Rigorous Research

Abstract Background We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results 47 participants were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising mindfulness meditation at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% reported practising at least weekly 4 months following completion of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 4-month follow-up. Participants reported insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence that online training in mindfulness meditation can be associated with reduced stress and increased self-compassion in rural medical students. More rigorous research is required to establish concrete measures of feasibility of a mindfulness meditation program.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Training Reduces PTSD Symptoms and Improves Stress-Related Health Outcomes in Police Officers

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Grupe ◽  
Chad McGehee ◽  
Chris Smith ◽  
Andrew D. Francis ◽  
Jeanette A. Mumford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms

scholarly journals Determining the feasibility and effectiveness of brief online mindfulness training for rural medical students: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Jane Moore ◽  
Rita Barbour ◽  
Hanh Ngo ◽  
Craig Sinclair ◽  
Richard Chambers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Rigorous Research

Abstract Background We sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness training program, delivered online to medical students at a Rural Clinical School.Methods An 8-week online training program was delivered to penultimate-year medical students at an Australian Rural Clinical School during 2016. Using a mixed methods approach, we measured the frequency and duration of participants’ mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion and compassion levels, as well as personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.Results 47 participants were recruited to the study. 50% of participants were practising mindfulness meditation at least weekly by the end of the 8-week program, and 32% reported practising at least weekly 4 months following completion of the intervention. There was a statistically significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress levels and a significant increase in self-compassion at 4-month follow-up. Participants reported insights about the personal and professional impact of mindfulness meditation training as well as barriers to practice.Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence that online training in mindfulness meditation can be associated with reduced stress and increased self-compassion in rural medical students. More rigorous research is required to establish concrete measures of feasibility of a mindfulness meditation program.

Romantic partner support during pregnancy: The discrepancy between self-reported and coder-rated support as a risk factor for prenatal psychopathology and stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-46
Author(s):  
Laura M. River ◽  
Angela J. Narayan ◽  
Victoria M. Atzl ◽  
Luisa M. Rivera ◽  
Alicia F. Lieberman
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Expressed Emotion ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Partner Support ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Highly Correlated

Romantic partner support from the father-to-be is associated with women’s mental health during pregnancy. However, most studies of partner support rely upon women’s responses to self-report questionnaires, which may be biased and should be corroborated by efficient, coder-rated measures of partner support. This study tested whether the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS), adapted to assess expressed emotion about romantic partners, can provide information about partner support during pregnancy that is less prone to bias than self-report. Participants were 101 low-income, ethnically diverse pregnant women who completed self-report questions on partner support quality and the FMSS. Self-reported and coder-rated (FMSS) partner support were highly correlated and were each significantly associated with self-reported depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived stress, and partner victimization during pregnancy. Self-reported and coder-rated support corresponded in approximately 75% of cases; however, nearly 25% of women self-reported high support but received low FMSS support ratings. These women reported elevated PTSD symptoms, perceived stress, and victimization during pregnancy. While self-reported partner support may be valid for many respondents, the FMSS is less susceptible to reporting biases and may better identify women facing heightened psychopathology and stress during pregnancy, who would benefit from supportive intervention.

scholarly journals A-130 An Exploratory Analysis of the Impact PTSD Related Sleep Disturbance has on Language Generativity in Veterans with mTBI

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 923-923
Author(s):  
Walker N ◽  
Scott T ◽  
Spellman J ◽  
Rivera J ◽  
Waltzman D ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective Reviewed literature suggests that individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) demonstrate cognitive deficits in attention, learning/memory, and executive functions. Less is known regarding the relationship between sleep disturbance and language abilities among individuals with PTSD. We hypothesized that subjective perceptions of PTSD-related sleep disturbance would impact language generativity in Veterans with PTSD. Methods 38 individuals (mean age = 46.58, SD = 13.55; 10% female) were administered a brief neurocognitive battery including measures of verbal generativity [i.e., Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System: Verbal fluency subtest], PTSD symptoms (i.e., clinically significant PTSD = > 35 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-IV), self-report measures of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory; PSQI), and PTSD-related sleep disturbances (PSQI – Addendum for PTSD). All participants had a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). An analysis of covariance was used to assess the contribution of PTSD-related sleep disturbance on verbal fluency in Veterans with PTSD. Post-hoc analyses were conducted. Results Those without PTSD performed better on letter fluency than those with PTSD (p=.019). There was no significant effect of PTSD (presence or absence) on letter fluency performance after controlling for subjective sleep quality, F(1, 35) = 1.43, p = .239. Follow up analyses failed to show any associations between PTSD and other cognitive measures. Conclusions PTSD related sleep disturbance accounts for a significant portion of the variance in the relationship between PTSD and verbal generativity. Individuals with a history of mTBI and current PTSD symptoms, may have worse verbal generativity but is partially accounted for by PTSD related sleep disturbance.

Displacement during Hurricane Sandy: The impact on mental health

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Schwartz, PhD ◽  
Rehana Rasul, MA ◽  
Samantha M. Kerath, MS ◽  
Alexis R. Watson, BS ◽  
Wil Lieberman-Cribbin, MPH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Illicit Substance ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To assess the effect of displacement due to Hurricane Sandy on mental health outcomes among residents of the greater New York City (NYC) area.Design: Prospective, cross sectional.Setting: NYC area residents, including Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island.Participants: In a 4.25 year period (June 2012 to September 2016), a convenience sample of 1,615 adult residents from the greater NYC area completed validated measures of hurricane exposure (including displacement), perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as indicators of alcohol, illicit substance, and tobacco use.Main Outcome Measures: Perceived stress, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms and alcohol, illicit substance, and tobacco use.Results: Multivariable analyses indicated that displaced participants were more likely to have PTSD (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.21, 95%CI: 1.73-2.82), depression (AOR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.05-1.79) and anxiety symptoms (AOR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01-1.67) and had a 1.16 unit increase in perceived stress score (SE = 0.38) compared to nondisplaced participants. Staying with friends/family vs. at a shelter was significantly associated with a 48 percent decreased odds of having PTSD symptoms (AOR: 0.52, 95%CI: 0.31-0.88) and of being a current tobacco user (AOR: 0.52, 95%CI: 0.30-0.92).Conclusions: Displacement is associated with negative mental health outcomes, particularly displacement to shelters. Disaster preparedness efforts should involve increasing mental health resources to those who are displaced and providing support services within the shelter setting.

scholarly journals A Prospective Investigation of the Impact of Distinct Posttraumatic (PTSD) Symptom Clusters on Suicidal Ideation

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Panagioti ◽  
Ioannis Angelakis ◽  
Nicholas Tarrier ◽  
Patricia Gooding
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

AbstractInconsistent findings have been reported by previous cross-sectional studies regarding the association between specific posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and suicidality. To advance the understanding of the role of specific PTSD symptoms in the development of suicidality, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the predictive effects of the three specific PTSD symptom clusters on suicidal ideation prospectively. Fifty-six individuals diagnosed with PTSD completed a two-stage research design, at baseline and 13–15 months follow-up. The clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) was used to assess the severity of the PTSD symptom clusters and validated self-report measures were used to assess suicidal ideation, severity of depressive symptoms and perceptions of defeat entrapment. The results showed that only the hyperarousal symptom cluster significantly predicted suicidal ideation at follow-up after controlling for baseline suicidal ideation, severity of depressive symptoms and perceptions of defeat and entrapment. These findings suggest that both disorder-specific and transdiagnostic factors are implicated in the development of suicidal ideation in PTSD. Important clinical implications are discussed in terms of predicting and treating suicidality in those with PTSD.

scholarly journals Simple or complex? A case study of physical and mental health co-morbidity

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie D. Bennett ◽  
Isobel Heyman ◽  
Sophia Varadkar ◽  
Anna E. Coughtrey ◽  
Roz Shafran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Before And After

AbstractPeople with epilepsy are significantly more likely to have a mental health disorder than those without a chronic illness. The reasons for this are multiple but may include the mental health difficulties being perceived as complex due to the presence of a chronic illness. In part due to the apparent complexity of the co-occurring physical and mental illness, many are not offered evidence-based treatment (EBT) for the mental health disorder. There is little guidance to inform clinicians about the interventions to use to treat mental health disorders in people with epilepsy. The present paper reports a case of treatment for depression using a standard EBT in a young person with epilepsy. The patient also had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and an eating disorder and would be considered ‘complex’ according to standard criteria. The intervention, however, was relatively simple and was delivered as guided self-help via 10 weekly telephone calls of approximately 30 minutes duration, and two follow-up calls at one month and three months post-intervention. Self-report and parent-report questionnaire measures were completed before and after the intervention, and at both follow-up time points. A blind-rated online diagnostic interview measure was also completed before and after the intervention. The young person and her family also completed a qualitative interview of their experiences of the intervention. This simple intervention was effective in working towards the client's goals, although pre–post measurement on standard measures was variable. This interesting case raises questions about whether patients with mental and physical comorbidities are complex, or just perceived as complex.

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